1943 - 2023
Rosemary Hunter, 81, of Fonthill, Ontario, died on Monday, May 6, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by family.
She was born on February 4, 1943 to James and Anne Whitehead in Toronto, Ontario. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dolores and brother James. She is survived by her sister Joanne (late Vince).
Rosemary graduated from Brock University with a BPHE and master’s degree in education. She served on countless boards, and committees and volunteered with several groups including Lion Quest.
She married Michael Hunter on April 19, 1965, and they recently celebrated 59 years together. They had three children, Kimberley Lawrence (Scott), Timothy Hunter, and Christopher Hunter. Her children and grandchildren (Madison, Devon, Emily, and Mikayla) were blessed to have her in their lives. She was loving, funny, generous and gave them all a gift of learning. She was the fun gramma.
Rosemary attended St. Joseph’s Convent School in Toronto to Grade 12, and then graduated from East York Collegiate grade 13 at 16 years of age. She attended Toronto Teacher’s College, graduating in 1960 and began her teaching career at St. John’s school on Kingston Rd, Toronto with a 4th-grade class, she was only 17 years old at the time. Rosemary also taught at St. Dennis and St. Ursula, in Toronto. She and Michael moved to St. Catharines in 1969. She joined the Lincoln Catholic school board and taught at St. Anthony’s, St. Patrick’s, and Michael J. Brennan Schools. Rosemary was the Primary Education consultant for the Welland Catholic School Board (NCSSB). With the board, she mentored primary teachers, created curriculum, and wrote a math textbook for a major publisher. She also worked with the Ministry of Education on curriculum development. All the while she continued to visit countless teachers in their classrooms to help mentor them in their careers. Rosemary also led professional development courses for many school boards.
Rosemary was seconded to Brock University to work in the Faculty of Education. She was mentored there by Don McAuley and flourished in her role of educating future teachers. She belonged to the International Society for Educators, allowing her to travel and meet educators worldwide. She spoke internationally at several conferences in Europe, England, South America, and South Africa. Through this organization, she spent several summers in Chichester England helping future teachers develop their skills as part of the British education system. She had so many friends and colleagues that she met through all of these experiences.
She was an avid traveller and loved to work alongside Michael in their gardens or take rides together in the TR3. They loved to travel to the cottage and ski with the children in the winter. Rosemary will also be remembered for her love of clothes and colour. Her ability to co-ordinate was amazing.
Family and friends will be received at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pelham Street, Fonthill, Ontario on Friday, May 10th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with Vigil Prayers being said at 7:30 pm.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 11th at St. Alexander’s Catholic Church, 50 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, Ontario beginning at 11:00 am with Father Paul McNeil officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date.
The family has asked that everyone dress the way Rosemary lived, vibrant and full of the joy of life.
Memorials or donations may be made to Covenant House (covenanthouse.org)
Condolences can be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
